Texas A&M star quarterback Johnny Manziel is in town and set for an official pre-draft visit with the Patriots today, according to a source. Interestingly, this is Manziel’s first pre-draft visit, but he has plenty more lined up afterward.

Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012, and his high-profile lifestyle has turned him into one of the most polarizing prospects in recent memory.

Manziel is a potential No. 1 overall draft pick, so the Patriots’ interests is almost certainly a means of advanced scouting. Bill Belichick has often discussed the merits of interviewing draft prospects as a way to formulate a base in their scouting reports, either in terms of preparing for a future opponent or a possible free agent. Manziel has no prior history with Belichick, according to the source, so this furthers that notion.

This is somewhat reminiscent of the Patriots’ pre-draft visit with Tim Tebow in 2010, or Dion Jordan, who was drafted by the Dolphins with the third overall pick last year.

Considering Texans coach Bill O’Brien, a former Pats offensive coordinator, could select Manziel with the top pick next month, Belichick would have further desire to get into the quarterback’s mind. The Jaguars, Browns and Raiders are other AFC teams in need of a quarterback in the top five.

As a two-year starter, Manziel amassed a 68.9 completion percentage, 7,820 passing yards, 63 touchdowns and 22 interceptions, plus 2,169 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns during his career with the Aggies. However, he has been plagued by questions of immaturity, so it makes sense for someone like Belichick to find out what makes him tick. Manziel, for his part, has worked hard this offseason to squash any doubts about his character.

One more note: Manziel has carved up Nick Saban’s stingy Alabama defense on two occasions, completing 52-of-70 passes for 717 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions in a win and a loss. Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower, a former Alabama national champion, has noted the similarities between the two playbooks. Perhaps Belichick wants to find out what Manziel knows.